Chen He looked at the notice thrown in front of him.
The chief examiner and invigilator are not the County Magistrate from previous years.
They were sent by the Court, arrived in Huaiyuan County, and isolated themselves in the examination center.
The exam papers are guarded by special personnel appointed by His Majesty, only to be unsealed at the moment the exam begins.
Therefore, at least here in Huaiyuan County, there’s absolutely no possibility of any exam leakage.
Chen He was dumbfounded.
But he was full of resentment.
"The County Magistrate has hosted county exams for many years; he must have experience in this regard. If he trains Zhao Dahe, Zhao Dahe can achieve good rankings, which is unfair to other candidates," Chen He argued.
This was simply unreasonable and trying to justify the unjustifiable.
"If your family’s elders are educated and have experience in the imperial examination, would you not seek their advice?" Zhao Ting spoke with a look of sarcasm.
"You’re the type who blames the pillow when you can’t sleep well. Unfavoured by girls, you blame your parents for not making you more attractive. You emphasize this and emphasize that, yet you forget to emphasize your own shortcomings. Don’t say that in our family, Dahe never received any guidance from the County Magistrate, but even if he did, it’s only a matter of days. As per your claim, achieving remarkable results with just a few days proves his exceptional talent, which you can’t even hope to match," Meng Yao added quickly.
She actually wanted to say that Chen He was blaming gravity on Earth for not being able to defecate but feared they wouldn’t understand, so she changed her wording.
"Is admitting someone else’s excellence really that difficult?" How could Zhao Dahe not speak up in such a situation?
Rendered speechless, Chen He couldn’t reply.
Ren Zhong and the Court’s official exchanged a glance, both understanding each other’s intention.
"By rights, a candidate with such poor conduct, slandering the reputation of a county’s parents’ official, could have their qualification for county exams revoked. But I and the County Magistrate understand the difficulties of studying, willing to give you a chance to enter and take the exam. As for how you perform, that depends on your own luck," said the Court’s official.
If you directly revoked his exam qualification, he would be dissatisfied.
Thus, the best method is to hit him from the root.
A person filled with crooked thoughts, how could they excel in studies?
Taking the opportunity, Meng Yao instructed Zhao Dahe a few times, fearing he would be affected emotionally by the matter.
Zhao Dahe expressed that he wasn’t bothered, yet directed his gaze towards Zhao Ting.
Where did this person emerge from? His mother never mentioned. Still, it can’t be denied that his appearance turned the entire situation around.
Zhao Dahe didn’t think he was targeting the County Magistrate. After all, since the moment the person emerged, he was observing closely, this man didn’t even glance at the County Magistrate but occasionally glanced at his mother.
Thus, Zhao Dahe can be certain; this is directed towards his mother.
Zhao Dahe felt a bit sorrowful. He just wanted to fight for a chance for his father; why is it so difficult? He wanted to ask his mother, but time was tight, and he was about to enter the venue.
After all candidates entered, the heavy door was closed.
Inside, determining the fate of the scholars.
Outside, the relatives of the examining candidates had their hearts tangled together.
"Waiting here is useless; just come early when the fifth session is about to end. It’s best to come by carriage," Ren Zhong suggested.
This also serves to remind Meng Yao.
In the five sessions of exams, some even fell during the process.
Those with good physical condition barely make it through, emerging with unsteady steps, appearing as if they were very ill.
So, having a comfortable means of transport when picking them up is very important.
"Alright," Meng Yao agreed.
"I have official duties to attend to, you all can go about your business," Ren Zhong had to handle students smuggling items and his household cook.
Meng Yao bowed slightly, watching Ren Zhong and his group leave.
"Thank you, Mr. He," Meng Yao expressed gratitude.
"I just thought those spreading groundless talk lacked virtue, so I wanted to see if I could do something. It was also good luck that led me to discover it," Zhao Ting quickly explained.
The more Zhao Ting emphasized it as an accidental occurrence, the more Meng Yao felt He Yan had done it intentionally.
"Mr. He helped us greatly, this kindness we remember. Once Dahe’s exam is over, I’ll have him personally thank Mr. He," Meng Yao said.
In Zhao Ting’s original memories, Zhao Dahe had a good relationship with him.
Moreover, he was a bright child from a young age.
Therefore, this kid is very likely key to whether he can achieve the purpose of his trip.
Zhao Ting thought, knowing more in advance only brings benefits, without downsides.
So Zhao Ting smiled, saying, "Since madam says so, I won’t be polite. Just looking at Zhao Gongzi, he’s going to excel in the county exam. At that time, I’ll shamelessly ask for a cup of thin wine."
"Taking Mr. He’s auspicious words," Meng Yao replied, "We plan to take a stroll in the county town. What about Mr. He?"
"I still have things to attend to, so I won’t delay madam," Zhao Ting quickly said.
Suddenly saying to tag along obviously shows an ulterior motive.
Besides, he has to handle Ren Zhong’s task, earning reward silver.
Meng Yao took Li Chang’an, Qin Zheng, and Wen Nuan straight to the Luo Family.
The old lady didn’t have her wake, buried yesterday.
Luo Qingqing didn’t continue to stay in the government office and returned home directly.
Though she appeared strong, Meng Yao was still somewhat worried.
The funeral is over, yet the retraction of the engagement hasn’t been finalized.
Young women facing matters of the heart are very easily blinded by the past.
Coincidentally, when Meng Yao brought people over, four or five people also arrived at Luo’s entrance.
Shan Zi had seen Meng Yao before and immediately whispered to the short and plump woman beside him.
Meng Yao heard him call her ’Mother.’
"Madam, we’re not here to cause trouble," the short, plump woman spoke.
They didn’t know Meng Yao’s identity, thus came up with the title ’Madam.’
"With such events, our hearts are also troubled. Originally everything was good... poor Madam Wang," the short, plump woman pretended to wipe nonexistent tears from her eyes, "In principle, at this moment... it’s not right for us to propose to withdraw the engagement, but... madam, as you may not know, people’s words are intimidating, we are also forced by circumstances."
Meng Yao gave the short, plump woman a significant look without responding, and instead stepped forward to knock at the Luo’s door.
Quickly, Luo Qingqing opened the door.
Seeing Meng Yao, she called ’Madam.’
Then upon seeing Shan Zi and his group, her expression became strained.
"I came to accompany you to withdraw the engagement. Unexpectedly, they came; thus, saving us that trouble. Is the marriage certificate and tokens they presented ready?" Meng Yao asked Luo Qingqing with a serious tone.
With so many people at Luo’s door, naturally, there were watchers from afar.
So, Meng Yao took the initiative.
It’s Luo Qingqing who is withdrawing the engagement.
The abandoned one is Shan Zi.
The short, plump woman’s expression instantly soured; she secretly gritted her teeth, cursing this woman for meddling, but dared not voice out due to her being from the ’government office.’